June 10, 2013 – The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) and the National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO)—the joint training arm of the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) and IBEW, 1st District, Canada—officially announced the launch of a Canadian EVITP training and certification program for qualified Construction Electricians (NOC 7241).

EVITP—a non-profit collaboration of industry partners in the States providing training and certification for electricians installing electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)—was established to provide the EV transportation sector of the electrical industry (and all stakeholders) with a structured platform to facilitate training and certification for the installation of EVSE across residential, commercial/public and fleet markets.

The adaptation of the EVITP training and certification program for Canada was sponsored by NETCO on behalf of the electrical industry in Canada. This involved R&D with subject-matter experts across Canada and the U.S., collaborating to:

• Adapt the American curriculum and certification exam to the Canadian context.
• Recognize EVITP as an independent, third-party certifying body.
• Establish Canadian EVITP certification exam administration protocols.
• Sponsor two regional EVITP Instructor Training, Phase 1, pilots in British Columbia (June 10-13, 2013) and Ontario (July 22-25, 2013).
• Promote the establishment of EVITP National Training Centres in Canada.
• Implement a communications strategy promoting the availability of EVITP training and certification for Canada.

“The Canadian Electrical Contractors Association actively supports the development of the EV market in Canada and encourages electrical industry stakeholders to embrace emerging electrical technologies early,” said CECA president and NETCO director Colin Campbell. “The EVITP training and certification program for Canada was developed with reference to the Canadian Electrical Code and the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. It is an important milestone in addressing related workforce development.”

EVITP instructor training will eventually be available to all stakeholders such as community colleges through National Training Centres that will be accredited by the certifying body. With assistance from NETCO, EVITP plans on implementing this model in Canada following the pilot training sessions.

To be eligible for EVITP instructor training, candidates must:

1. Hold a Construction Electrician (NOC 7241) Certificate of Qualification.

2. Have a minimum of two years of full-time or four years of part-time documented experience in delivering electrical trade-related training (e.g. supplemental apprenticeship training, journeyperson training, safety training) or electrical apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship training. Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirement shall be mentored by a qualified EVITP trainer who will provide onsite coaching and support for the duration of the first training session delivered by the candidate instructor. The EVITP instructor credential shall be issued only upon recommendation of the mentor.

3. Demonstrate that their sponsoring organization is committed to addressing the demand for EVITP training and certification in his jurisdiction in a timely manner.